UK Special Representative for Climate Commends Ethiopia’s Ambitious Green Legacy Initiative

Addis ababa: UK Special Representative for Climate, Rachel Kyte, has praised Ethiopia's Green Legacy initiative, highlighting its ambition and significance in the global climate change effort.According to Ethiopian News Agency, the Special Representative expressed that Ethiopia's extensive tree-planting campaign addresses the urgent need to combat the climate crisis. Rachel Kyte emphasized the initiative's role in carbon sequestration and enhancing resilience to extreme weather conditions. She pointed out that planting millions of trees contributes significantly to carbon absorption and climate resilience.Kyte also highlighted the economic potential of environmental initiatives, suggesting that valuing nature correctly could generate new revenue for developing countries. By converting nature's carbon absorption capability into credits, Ethiopia and its communities could benefit financially from the initiative.The UK envoy congratulated Ethiopia on its selection as the host for the 32nd United Nations Cl imate Change Conference (COP32). She recalled the enthusiastic international support Ethiopia received, acknowledging the country's responsibility as the conference's host. The UK government expressed its willingness to assist Ethiopia in preparing for the summit, drawing from its experience with COP26.Kyte addressed the climate challenges facing Africa, attributing the rise in severe droughts and floods to past emissions. She emphasized the need for aggressive emission reductions and adaptation measures. Additionally, she noted Africa's renewable energy potential, describing the continent as a 'renewable energy hyperpower' with vast resources in solar, wind, geothermal, and hydropower.On climate finance, the Special Representative identified structural challenges in capital flows to vulnerable countries and advocated for reforms in the global financial system. She highlighted the necessity of stronger global cooperation and fairer financial mechanisms to ensure climate action benefits those most in need.